Ridesharing Today and Tomorrow : A Review of Current Practices and Future Directions

Abstract

Ridesharing services have become an essential part of modern urban transportation, offering flexible, affordable, and efficient travel options. This paper presents a structured review of current ridesharing practices, highlighting major developments in platform design, real-time ride matching, route planning, and pricing strategies. The study investigates how these systems operate, the technology they rely on, and the impact they have on urban mobility. By reviewing academic studies and real-world applications, the paper outlines the growth of ridesharing platforms and the changing behavior of commuters. The paper identifies various benefits such as reduced travel costs, lower emissions, and better use of transport infrastructure. At the same time, it also addresses pressing issues such as user privacy, inconsistent regulations, and system reliability. Theoretical models related to optimization, scheduling, and decision-making are introduced to explain the mechanisms behind ridesharing operations. The research also includes a discussion on the challenges platforms face in ensuring fairness, scalability, and user trust. This work contributes by connecting current trends with upcoming innovations, including the potential role of automation and smart city integration. The findings suggest that while ridesharing has transformed how people commute, there is still a need for stronger data policies, improved safety measures, and wider accessibility. The paper concludes by identifying areas for future research, such as developing context-aware algorithms and expanding ridesharing services in low-access regions. This review serves as a useful resource for transportation planners, developers, and researchers working to improve shared mobility systems.